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Reverted edits by Xanadu2 (Talk) to last revision by ElyM
Bitumen is a naturally occurring viscous mixture, mainly of [[hydrocarbon]]s heavier than [[pentane]], that may contain [[sulphur]] compounds and that, in its natural occurring viscous state, is not recoverable at a commercial rate through a well.
Bitumen is a naturally occurring viscous mixture, mainly of [[hydrocarbon]]s heavier than [[pentane]], that may contain [[sulphur]] compounds and that, in its natural occurring viscous state, is not recoverable at a commercial rate through a well.
Bitumen was used in antiquity as an adhesive, waterproofing agent, and mortar in construction. In the modern world its flexible, adhesive properties make it valuable as a key constituent of asphalt road surface material as well as 'tar paper' used in roofing.
Natural bitumen deposits known as 'tar sands' represent a major untapped petroleum resource. Research is ongoing into techniques to convert bitumen into synthetic crude oil at a cost that is competitive with other crude oil sources.
[[Category:Energy]]
[[Category:Energy]]